Nairobi is East Africa's commercial hub and almost every visitor's entry point. It is also the only capital city on earth with a national park inside its boundary — 117 km² of plains game and black rhino with the CBD skyline behind.
Beyond the park, the city rewards a couple of days: the Sheldrick elephant orphanage, the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen's house, Nairobi National Museum and a restaurant scene running from nyama choma joints to tasting menus.
Neighbourhoods matter here. Westlands and Kilimani hold nightlife and coworking, Karen and Langata are green and residential, and the CBD is best explored on foot by day with a guide.
Highlights
- Nairobi National Park game drive before breakfast
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphan elephants
- Karen Blixen Museum and Kazuri beads
- Nairobi's restaurant and live-music scene